Gift cards and the holidays go together like naan and curry. However, those pesky tiny remaining balances can be a bit difficult to get rid of. We've featured a few methods, but how do you avoid losing the remaining balance?

According to a market analysis firm, more than $1 billion worth of gift cards go unused every year. Some cards get thrown away with a few cents left, while others end up expiring after five years resulting in the remaining balance being lost forever. We've shown how to remember to use your balance, or transfer it to something a bit easier, but there are a plethora of ways to ensure you get every last cent on that piece of plastic. What's your strategy?